Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On April 7, the Feast of Annunciation of the Holy Virgin Mary, Mr. Gagik Harutyunyan, President of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia, was awarded the "Knight of Holy Etchmiadzin" and a Pontifical Medal, for the divine service and exceptional contributions offered for the vibrancy of Holy Etchmiadzin. The ceremony was held in the Karekin I Center of the Mother See, under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.

The ceremony was opened with the Lord's Prayer, after which Rev. Fr. Paruyr Avetisyan, Director of the Intra-Church Relations of the Mother See, greeted the participants.

Mr. Gevorg Danielyan, a member of the Supreme Spiritual Council and the Constitutional Court Council; and Composer Tigran Mansuryan, an award-winning artist of the Republic of Armenia, reflect on the life and works of Mr. Gagik Harutyunyan.

Under the singing of the hymn “Urakh Ler”, the Pontifical Order was brought in, following which His Holiness Karekin II conveyed his welcome and blessing remarks to the attendees.

“On these festive days of the Holy Resurrection we extend our congratulations to all of you, through the good news of "Christ has risen from the dead". Today, in this festive joy we have united in the Mother See to honor and appreciate Mr. Gagik Harutyunyan, the honorable son of our nation, whose name and activities are well known to the public.

Mr. Gagik Harutyunyan was among the devotees of the re-establishment of an independent statehood. He came to the state system with a rich reserve of management experience and knowledge of the Soviet years, and a noble commitment to participate in building a bright future for our Homeland. Endowed with national and state mindset, he assumed high and responsible positions… In all circumstances of his service, the consciousness of being helpful to the country and people and the vision of strengthening the homeland and consolidating the Armenians became dominant in his activity. With this intent, he pursued the interests of the state and society in all his commitments, tried to contribute to the cause of keeping the country from jolts, during the troubles of the internal life, with his conciliatory character and convincing arguments, he was able to contribute to the overcoming of tensions.

Mr. Gagik Harutyunyan's contributions are priceless, especially in the implementation of constitutional justice in our country. Called to the post of the President of the newly established Constitutional Court, Mr. Harutyunyan made great and significant contributions to the establishment and effective functioning of the body representing the supreme judicial authority, which is one of the necessary preconditions for the establishment of a legal state.

In his long career, Mr. Gagik Harutyunyan has always shown sincere love and zeal towards the national and spiritual values of our people. Throughout the reign of Catholicos Karekin I, he has consistently supported the regulation and strengthening of Church-State relations.

Today, thanking God, the formed Church-state formed, of which Mr. Gagik Harutyunyan has a commendable contribution, has become a solid foundation for the efectiveness of our Church mission, for the preservation of our spiritual heritage and their transmission to the new generations, contributing to our country's progress and new achievements.

Dear Mr. Gagik Harutyunyan, the Order "Knight of Holy Etchmiadzin" is a pontifical high award, given to worthy Armenians who through their deeds and commitments, support the success of our Church mission and promotes the revival of our people's spiritual life. You have selflessly served our country and our people and made contributions to the vibrancy of our Apostolic Holy Church and Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Today, it is a pleasure for me to grant this honorable Order to you for your church-devoted accomplishments.

We are confident that the award will encourage you to further enrich your good and worthwhile deeds with new commitments in our national and spiritual life”, stated His Holiness Karekin II.

Congratulating and conveying best wishes to Mr. Gagik Harutyunyan, His Holiness granted him the Pontifical Order.

Mr. Harutyunyan conveyed his feeling on the occasion of the awards ceremony, expressing gratitude to the Armenian Pontiff and the Mother See for the high appreciation and recognition. Referring to his conversations with the Catholicos of All Armenians and his late predecessors, as well as his constant connection with the Mother See, Mr. Harutyunyan expressed his conviction that a person can not be a rational creature without spiritual sustainable values and wealth. Mr. Harutyunyan also spoke about the important role that the Armenian Church had in the preservation and survival of the identity. He also stressed that the award would be an additional incentive and commitment to work more diligently.

The young musicians group of Armenia "New Names", presented a musical performance under the artistic direction of Ms. Silva Mekinyan.

The ceremony ended with "Protector" prayer of the Catholicos of All Armenians.